Rousey Faces Neck-Kick Medical Suspension

Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has received a medical suspension which could last up to six months following her knockout defeat to Holly Holm.

The previously undefeated Rousey was sensationally stopped when former boxing world champion Holm connected with a head kick during their bout in Melbourne on Saturday.

The UFC, which self-regulated the card, has now imposed a mandatory 60-day medical suspension on Rousey which could rise to 180 days if a CT scan reveals damage to her head.

Rousey, who was hospitalised after the loss, made her only public statement since the fight via Instagram on Sunday night.

"I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support," Rousey said. "I appreciate the concerns about my health, but I'm fine. As I had mentioned before, I'm going to take a little time, but I'll be back."

UFC light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier believes Rousey must completely revise her striking before even contemplating a rematch with Holm.

"Holly Holm looked like a world-beater on Saturday," said Cormier. "Going forward, they're talking about an immediate rematch for Ronda Rousey?

"The improvements Ronda needs to make will take much longer than the six-month break she's anticipating. She needs a year or so.

"I would actually not fight her back again if I was Team Rousey."

And UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo believes Rousey's career inside the Octagon may be over.

"I think it's really hard for her to return to fighting," Aldo said. "Her career has taken a different direction. If I'm making a lot of money doing movies or something else, I'd go that direction too.

"Am I going to mess my face up getting punched in the face? You're crazy [laughs]. In my opinion, I don't think [she'll fight again].

"If she comes back, of course she can [win the title]. She was always a fighter, but if I were her, I wouldn't come back."